A Chelsea fan has lost his licence after drinking pints while watching his team at a pub - and then driving home in the dark without headlights on.

Paul Gower was stopped by police at the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa in Whitstable Road, Blean, near Canterbury.

The 64-year-old admitted to officers he had been drinking at the Bishop’s Finger in the city earlier that evening and failed a roadside breath test at the scene.

Gower, of Woodlands Estate, Blean, was arrested and charged and admitted drink-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Folkestone on Friday, March 21.

The court heard he gave a reading of 54 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Neil Sweeney, prosecuting, said: “It was about 10.30pm on March 6 and officers noticed him driving the vehicle without his lights on.

“He was stopped and told officers he’d had a few drinks in the Bishop’s Finger.”

Magistrates heard it was Gower’s first appearance in court and he is of previous good character.

Scott Neilson, defending, said his client fully cooperated with the police when he was stopped.

Gower had been to the St Dunstan’s Street pub to watch Chelsea play Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League, with his team winning 2-1.

The court heard that during the match, he had one pint, before his friend bought him another - and he then had a glass of wine too.

“He was just on his way home with the lights off,” Mr Neilson added.

“He’s not a habitual drinker and is ashamed and embarrassed.”

Mr Neilson said Gower lives on a mobile home site - a community for the over-55s - where he does jobs for older neighbours, including gardening.

The lawyer added: “He also takes some of the residents to their hospital appointments so now feels bad about that as he will not be able to help them. He wants to take the (drink-driving) course.”

Magistrates said they were fining him £122 for the offence and banned him from driving for 16 months.

They also ordered he pay a victim surcharge of £49 and £85 court costs. If he completes the drink-driving course, his ban will be reduced by a quarter.

Gower, who got his pension early and receives just over £500 a month, will pay what he owes the court at a rate of £40 a month.